Associate – Crime & Regulatory

ASSOCIATE / SENIOR ASSOCIATE - CRIME & REGULATORY

Any office location | Regular presence required in London

Top 100 law firm. Legal 500 recognised. A genuinely exciting opportunity to join a growing Crime & Regulatory team.

Criminal defence isn't for everyone. The cases are serious, the pressure is real, and the outcome can change someone's life.

But for the right lawyer, that's exactly what makes the work matter.

I'm working with a highly regarded Top 100 law firm to recruit an Associate / Senior Associate into its Crime & Regulatory team - and this is an opportunity worth paying attention to.

This isn't about ticking boxes or simply managing a caseload. It's about standing up for clients when they need you most, thinking strategically under pressure, and being part of a team that genuinely believes in doing things differently.

The role

You'll handle a varied criminal defence caseload spanning the full criminal process, including:

- Police station advice and early-stage representation

- Magistrates' Court advocacy

- Crown Court case preparation, including evidence analysis, case strategy and legal submissions

- Drafting persuasive written representations, applications and correspondence

- Supporting clients through complex, sensitive and often highly stressful situations

- Working closely with experienced colleagues while developing your own autonomy and expertise

Who am I looking to speak to?

• An Associate or Senior Associate with around 3-5 years' PQE in criminal defence
• Police station accredited, with solid Magistrates' Court advocacy experience
• Experienced in Crown Court matters, whether through advocacy or case preparation
• From a reputable private practice background, ideally Legal 500 recognised or equivalent
• An excellent communicator with strong written advocacy skills, sound judgement and the ability to think on your feet

Regulatory experience would be a bonus, but it's not essential.

Above all, I'm looking for someone who cares about their clients, thrives on complex work and has the resilience to keep fighting when things get difficult.

Why consider this move?

This is a firm that puts its people at the heart of its growth. Expect a collaborative, less hierarchical culture, genuine access to senior leadership and clients, and the opportunity to develop alongside a team with ambitious plans.

The package includes:

• Competitive, market-aligned remuneration
• 25 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays and your birthday off
• Private medical insurance and a healthcare cash plan
• Hybrid working, with flexibility around office location
• Enhanced wellbeing and family-friendly benefits
• A strong focus on professional development, recognition and progression

With offices across the firm, you can be based at a location that works for you, with regular attendance at the London office.

I'm recruiting directly on behalf of the firm, and I'd love to tell you more about the team, the opportunity and why this could be the move you've been waiting for.

If you're a criminal defence lawyer who wants challenging work, a supportive culture and the chance to make a real difference, don't miss out on having this conversation.

Speak directly to Leanne Byrne, our specialist Crime & Regulatory Senior Consultant at Clayton Legal.

020 3965 9786

l.byrne@clayton-legal.co.uk